It is time for another version of People Who Don’t Know Speak. Every now and then we like to checkout Social Security’s blog that deals with different topics and programs Social Security offers. One feature these blogs offer is a place to comment about the content of the blog. Typically, if you read most stories on the internet that offer a place to comment you will get some nasty comments about politics, but also some really misinformed comments. The Social Security blog is no different.
Being Denied SSI On A Child Claim
In response to a blog about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a disabled child a person going by Jackie wrote “One of my sons was denied and he has ADHD. I know other parents who children have the same condition and they receive disability. I am reapplying now but I’ll have a lawyer this time if he’s rejected again.”
The thing to know about SSI claims for children, or even disability claims for adults is that a diagnosis alone does not usually qualify a person for benefits. It is not necessarily the diagnosis, but how that diagnosis impacts the person or child and what limitations come from the diagnosis.
There are were a couple of other responses to Jackie that were more on point about how SSI claims are considered, but not completely accurate.
Paul wrote “Why would you think the ADHD qualifies for SSI? Your son does not have to stay home or have special qualifying care. ADHD individuals, including adults, simply take simple medication. Yes I am ADHD and live a normal life.”
Paul is somewhat correct, ADHD can be treated with medication allowing a child to improve with the condition, but some can’t, so severity of the condition, what limitations are included and how the child reacts to medications and other types of treatment are important.
Another response form a person named George was also correct that medication does not solve the entire problem for all children. “Not everyone with ADHD is able to tolerate medications for the disorder and some medications may be contraindicated for some patients due to other health conditions. As well, children may have special needs at certain stages of development. There are other factors as well. Even if a person can tolerate certain medications, not everyone responds to them in the same way,” George said.
Check On Your Own
The blogs posted by Social Security can be valuable information for people who are looking for some guidance when it comes to Social Security disability matters, but the responses to posts can be dangerous if a person take the word of posters. If is fine to post questions and concerns to the blogs posted, but also very important to reach the posts from Social Security and then research the issue yourself. There is plenty of information available all over Social Security’s website about its programs that can be easily attained rather than taking the word of posters who are responding to posts.
